Thursday, November 14, 2013

Make My Ears Quit Ringing

Tinnitus, commonly known as "ringing of the ears," affects an estimated 50 million Americans, according to the American Tinnitus Association, and is often characterized by whistling, clicking or hissing. The severity of the ringing varies from mild to unbearable, and while no cure currently exists, there are several remedies to help manage the condition. Remember to always consult your physician before attempting any remedy, especially if the ringing is severe and persistent.

Instructions

Remedies

1. Wear ear plugs or noise-canceling headphones when exposed to loud noises--such as live concerts or construction--that can cause or worsen tinnitus. Exposure to loud noises is a common cause of tinnitus, according to MayoClinic.com, so plan ahead for noisy situations by bringing ear plugs.

2. Experiment with herbal or mineral supplements like magnesium, zinc, ginkgo biloba or B vitamins. Consult your doctor before taking any supplements because research on their effectiveness is inconclusive. However, since they have little health risk, according to the ATA, many doctors will often allow you to try supplement therapy.

3. Treat your negative emotional reaction to tinnitus by undergoing cognitive therapy. A counselor will help you identify and redirect patterns of negative thinking. Therapists will usually supplement cognitive therapy with additional therapies or medication.

4. Ask your doctor about available drugs for tinnitus. Antidepressants, antihistamines and anticonvulsants are just a few of the many drugs used to treat symptoms of tinnitus. No drug has yet been proven to cure tinnitus, but the right drug may help in managing your symptoms.

5. Use a hearing aid or some other amplification device. Often tinnitus causes hearing loss, so a sound-amplification mechanism may help cover up tinnitus with natural sounds, according to the ATA.

6. Try an alternative treatment such as hypnotherapy or acupuncture. According to A2Z of Health, Beauty and Fitness, such treatments have been used with a range of success. These more natural remedies can be adapted specifically to your individual condition and may lower its severity over time.

8. Exercise regularly. When you exercise, blood flow to the ears is increased. This can help stifle the ringing and further regulate blood pressure.

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